La TAO Cakes @ 1Place Many Cuisine, Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many might have not noticed the existence of 1Place Many Cuisine at Hutton Lane, previously the space was occupied as a Hotpot restaurant; like the name would have suggested, 1Place Many Cuisine is a space that comprises of a few proprietors offering different types of food. The menu is quite confusing- offering specialties from Korea, Japan and Western dishes. Put that aside, the highlight of this post is to share more about La TAO Cakes. The brand has been here for quite some time but was previously focusing on deliveries and cake supplies to cafes and restaurants. It takes up a space at 1Place Many Cuisine, with a small display fridge showcasing their fresh bakes of the day (their popular items are those alcohol-infused cakes). While the selection might be limited, the quality and delicacy make up for it. A very comfortable, spacious place to enjoy a delicate serving of alcohol-infused cake without putting a dent on the wallet. 

Lim MaMa Taiwanese Food 林妈妈台式手作美食 @ Carnarvon Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

** This place has since ceased its business operations.**

Filled with minimalist furniture and homey peaceful dining atmosphere, Lim MaMa Taiwanese Food 林妈妈台式手作美食 at Lorong Carnarvon is the place where you can find classic, home-cooked style Taiwanese delights in town. The menu is small but good enough to satiate your cravings for Taiwanese food- dishes are affordably priced and the serving portion is hearty. The seating capacity is limited and less accommodating for big groups at Lim MaMa's place so if you are planning a group visit there, do make your reservations earlier. 

Kara Kara @ Weld Quay, Georgetown, Penang.

The recent talk of the town- Kara Kara is one of the latest hidden cafes/ bars in town; it runs as a cafe during day time and turns into a happening bar in the evenings. One of the key reasons for Kara Kara's success is its chic, futuristic industrial interior decor with plenty of art sculptures adorning the place. The food menu is quite small- featuring some mains and sweet treats; the beverage menu on the contrary is bigger and that includes alcoholic drinks. Price points are of standard-average but we are not too sure if its a place suitable for casual hangouts or more appropriate as a pub as the seating arrangement is not really too comfortable.

Lot 20 Garage @ Island Glades, Penang.

Both accessible from Jalan Yap Chor Ee and Lorong Delima 20, Lot 20 Garage is tucked away in a vacant space with entrance (via a small, narrow alley) between a residence and commercial shop lot of Des Mutiara (where Domino Pizza Island Glades branch is located). The space is airy and spacious... on the cafe, it features a small Malaysian menu featuring Nasi Lemak, Toasts etc. Dishes are affordably priced, probably due to first few days jitters, the service quality is below par and has rooms for improvements.

The Vanilla Cafe By Kairos @ Kubang Semang, Penang.

A 10 minute drive away from Penanti Toll via BKE Highway will land you at The Vanilla Cafe, next to a farm that produces Vanilla Pods. The brand has bagged some awards and has some proud accolade like churning out Malaysians' own grown Vanilla Pods. The cafe is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable environment to enjoy the food. It does not have a main menu but some light snacks as well as an array of sweet treats; while not all are applicable, some dishes are made from the ingredients grown from the farm. Though it is a little off the beaten track, the place is worth a look if you are looking for an opportunity to escape from the city buzz.